Public health management

Important information

Transmission: Pertussis is spread to other people by droplets from coughing or sneezing.

Incubation period: Usually 7 to 10 days (ranges from 4 to 21 days).

Infectious period: Untreated, a person with pertussis can spread it to other people for up to three weeks after onset of cough.

Case exclusion: People diagnosed with pertussis should stay away from school and work while infectious (up to 21 days) or until they have completed 5 days of a course of a recommended antibiotic. It is particularly important not to expose young children (e.g. at child care centres) to infection. See Pertussis – National Guidelines for Public Health Units (external site).